top of page

Admissions & Referrals

King’s Reach Education is an Independent Special School for young people aged 11 to 25 who have been unable to access education in other settings across Kent.

We offer two pathways:

  • King’s Reach Education (KRE) – a full-time school placement with a structured, nurturing environment.

  • Reach Out (RO) – a part-time EOTAS (Education Other Than at School) programme offering up to three sessions a week, designed to re-engage students through trusted relationships and meaningful learning experiences.

 

Both pathways aim to help students successfully reintegrate into education, training, or employment.

 

Referrals and Eligibility

Referrals for both KRE and RO are made through the Kent SEND Team at Kent County Council.

  • Only students with a current Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) are eligible for placement.

  • Placement decisions are made by the Local Authority through the formal consultation process.

  • For a KRE school placement, King’s Reach Education will be named in Section I of the EHCP.

  • For a RO placement, the Local Authority will name Reach Out as a commissioned service to deliver the EOTAS provision.

 

If parents or carers believe King’s Reach is the right setting for their child, they should contact the Local Authority to request a consultation. Families also have the right to appeal if the Local Authority does not name their preferred placement. Support with this process can be found through IASK (Information, Advice & Support Kent).

 

The Referral Process

  1. Initial Consultation – The Local Authority consults King’s Reach to explore whether KRE or RO can meet the young person’s needs.

  2. Assessment of Suitability – We review the EHCP and supporting documents, then respond formally to the Local Authority.

  3. Placement Decision and Funding – If suitable, the Local Authority decides on placement and submits an application to the Higher Cost Panel for funding approval.

  4. Onboarding – Once funding and availability are confirmed, we begin the onboarding process for a smooth and supportive transition.

​

Transition into School

Once a placement is confirmed, students begin a transition period to help them settle into school life. This may start part-time and gradually increase as the student becomes more confident.

  • Families receive a Home/School Agreement, welcome letter, and Parent Pack with key information and policies.

  • A one-to-one coach supports the student in exploring their interests, goals, and aspirations.

  • Our Heads of Stage and Therapeutic Team observe the student in different situations to assess their needs and tailor their support.

 

Full-Time Placement and Ongoing Support

After a successful transition, students move into a full-time, personalised programme which may include:

  • Academic learning

  • Therapeutic support

  • Vocational training

  • Social development

 

This balanced programme is designed around each young person’s needs.
 

If at any stage it becomes clear that King’s Reach is not the right setting, we work with the Local Authority through an emergency annual review to consider alternative options.
 

Once fully enrolled, every student is part of the King’s Reach community, with continued support from our dedicated staff and therapeutic team to help them succeed.

bottom of page